FARMINGTON — Farmington High School announces the top 10 seniors of the Class of 2012. Following the Valedictorian, the top graduates are listed in alphabetical order.

Richard Shepardson II, son of Richard and Marilyn Shepardson, is graduating valedictorian of his class, a position he has held since his freshman year. A student involved in two varsity sports, football and baseball, French Club, and National Honor Society, he has maintained his academic record while applying himself in a wide variety of classes at the College Prep, Honors, and Advanced Placement level. Richard was also an active member of Educational Talent Search (ETS) since 6th grade.

This fall, Richard will be attending the University of New Hampshire in Durham, where he is enrolled in the biochemistry program. After working for an undergraduate degree he wants to pursue medical school, where he hopes to begin study in pathology.

Richard has lived in Farmington his entire life, growing up on a farm.

During his high school career, Richard has participated in both football and baseball, making both varsity teams as a freshman. As a four-year starter, Richard managed to make the Foster's Football Dream Team's Honorable Mention list twice, and as a senior was named a team captain while receiving 1st Team All-State accolades at the end of the year. For baseball, he was an occasional starter until the middle of his junior year, when he got the nod as a permanent starter in the outfield. Richard was named a team captain as well at the beginning of his senior year.

An inductee of the Farmington chapter of the National Honor Society in April of his junior year, Richard has participated in a great many volunteer activities, most dealing specifically with local organizations. He also founded the first ever National Honor Society ¿ hosted Madden NFL Tournament, his senior year. Outside of volunteering, he is an umpire at the Farmington 500 Boys' and Girls' Club.

Jessica Brym, daughter of Petr Brym and Donna McNamara, will be graduating as one of the top ten students at Farmington High School. She has taken on a full course load of honors and advanced placement classes during her time at FHS. She has been involved in student council for all four years. She has been president of her class for three years and spends time planning many events for her peers. She had a part in starting the first ever girls' soccer team at FHS and became captain of the team during her senior year. French club and National Honor Society are two other activities she has been involved with during her time at FHS. Along with her academic and extracurricular endeavors, she has maintained two part time jobs, working after school and on weekends. She has taken four years of art at FHS and is currently completing her final portfolio in her senior art class. Jessica will be attending the University of California, Santa Cruz in the fall and will be studying Business Management Economics. She hopes to pursue a career in marketing and advertising in the future.

Danielle Dent, the daughter of Michael and Jennifer Dent, is graduating as one of the top ten students in her class. After moving to Farmington for her freshmen year, she attended the Academy for Equine Sciences charter school. During her freshmen year, she was recognized by the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine for her interest in the science and medical fields.

Danielle transferred to Farmington High School her junior year. In which, she received an award for her accomplishments in her environmental science class. In her senior year, Danielle participated in the state science fair. Representing Farmington High School, she placed third in her category.

For almost all of her high school career, Danielle has made honors or high honors every quarter. Outside of school, Danielle is an active member of her church, volunteering in the children's ministry.

Danielle will be attending Great Bay Community College in the fall for a year of liberal arts, and pursuing a major in veterinary technology. She plans to become an equine veterinarian.

Tyler Johnson is the son of Herbert and Meredith Holt, and will be heading to the University of Vermont this fall. Taking a nearly full schedule all four years of high school, Tyler took the highest leveled AP, Honors, and College Preparatory classes available to him. While challenging himself academically he also participated in extra-curricular activities such as Varsity football, French Club, Educational Talent Search, National Honor Society, and other projects including working during the school year. During this past summer he, as well as Nicholas MacArthur, attended the Advanced Studies Program at St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire. These activities altogether highlight four years of participation and academic excellence at Farmington High School.

Inducted as a member into the National Honor Society his sophomore year, he was elected as Vice-President his senior year. This past year the organization saw success in their Rock-a-Thon, JT Lamantia Scholarship Basketball Tournament, Red Cross Blood Drives, and various school wide fundraising events.

Attending the University of Vermont this fall Tyler hopes to enroll in a first-year Social Science program where he will double major in Economics and History. In addition to academic goals at UVM, Tyler also plans on participating in Club football and other on campus organizations. Tyler hopes to attend law school in the future.

Nick MacArthur, the son of Tim MacArthur and Marites Sabolboro, has lived in Farmington since 5th grade and will be graduating in the top 10 of the class. A Massachusetts native, he will be returning to the Bay State in the fall to attend Clark University to major in chemistry with the aspiration of becoming a teacher.

In his high school career, Nick served as the chapter's president in the National Honor Society, vice-president of French Club, and had the privilege of attending the summer program at St. Paul's School. His most fun high school experience was playing football his freshmen year.

Aside from other activities, Nick's proudest achievement is taking first place in the physics category back-to-back years at the New Hampshire Science and Engineering Exposition.

Rushi Patel, son of Atul and Daksha Patel, is graduating as one of the top 10 students in his graduating class of 2012 from Farmington High School. Rushi was nervous yet excited to be moving on from middle school, which he excelled in all his classes receiving high honors and honor roll. Throughout his high school years, Rushi had taken on a full course load of advanced level classes, honors classes, and college-prep classes, all with a job at his family store.

During his four years of high school, Rushi was a part of the French Club. He was an avid assistance in both French Club and his class fundraisers. During his junior year, Rushi managed the varsity baseball team. When his senior year rolled round, he could be found managing his varsity basketball team. Rushi also part took in the annual "Immigration Day," during his senior year.

Rushi never backed down from any challenge presented to him in High School. He was a dedicated student and loathed failure. Never giving anything less than 100 percent toward any assignment or challenge, Rushi was an honor/high honor student throughout his four years at Farmington High excelling in all subjects. He always demanded nothing but the best for himself because he knew when he set his mind to achieve something; he had the capability to achieve it.

Rushi is looking forward to his college experience and furthering his studies. He will be taking online courses this year and join the college life the following year to pursue his goal of becoming a civil engineer. His parents have and will always continue to support Rushi on all his future endeavors no matter how challenging the road ahead may be. Rushi would like to thank his family, friends, and the staff of Farmington High School for their support throughout his four years at Farmington High.

Paige Smith, the daughter of Lori and Stephen Smith, has lived in Farmington throughout her entire life. She is graduating as one of the top ten students of her class. She has challenged herself by taking Honors and AP courses throughout her high school career alongside her full schedule of varsity sports and other clubs.

For all four years of her high school experience, she has been elected as a student representative of her class, and has been a member of the French Club. During her sophomore year, she was inducted into the National Honor Society, a society that benefits those in need and struggling local families. Here, she actively participated in many volunteer events such as the Red Cross Blood Drive, JT Lamantia Tournament, and Rock-a-thon.

Paige also participated in varsity cheerleading her freshmen and senior year, where she competed in statewide competitions. She was a part of the gymnastics team and received state titles every year of high school as well as competed in regional gymnastics competitions. During her senior year, she earned the title of the all-around state gymnastics champion. She gained many athlete of the month awards, and is an NHIAA Scholarly Athlete Award recipient. She was also selected to be "Hometown Hero" for the town of Farmington by her athletic director for her achievements in academics and gymnastics, where she was featured on WMUR.

Paige will be attending Great Bay College this fall, with plans to transfer to UNH after her first year. Her major is currently undeclared.

Malone Soeun, son of Sen Soeun and Sem Sim has excelled in both sports and academics in his high school career. He has taken advanced classes to challenge himself and has always been an honor roll student since the beginning. He has done an excellent job at balancing his school work with his part-time job.

Malone's life aspiration is to own his own successful chain of businesses ranging from restaurants to convenience stores. His drive to succeed is very strong and always has been. Malone was the president of Farmington High School's French club in his sophomore and junior year and was also a member of his student council for three years.

After high school, Malone plans on attending the University of New Hampshire to attain a bachelor's degree in the field of business.

Gregory Taylor-Power, the son of Christopher Power and Megan Taylor, has excelled in both academic and musical studies throughout his high school career. He has successfully balanced his schoolwork with guitar playing while taking high-level courses.

Greg Started playing guitar at age 13, in 8th grade, and has played it nonstop since. He has won guitar competitions including one at the National Guitar Workshop in Connecticut. He now plays in a band that performs at venues around New Hampshire.

He has a strong interest in math and science and plans to study them his whole life, in school or out. He is going to attend the University of New Hampshire in the fall, majoring in mechanical engineering.

Katiemae White, daughter of Joyce and Gary White, has been in the top five of her class for her whole high school career. She has taken the highest level courses offered at Farmington High, including several Advanced Placement classes.

Katie has been a member of the National Honor Society for 3 years and Secretary for the last 2 years. Through NHS, she has volunteered at blood drives, sporting events and participated in the Rock-a-thon. Katie also volunteers outside of school at the Rochester Opera House, the Goodwin Library and the NH Renaissance Faire.

Through her high school years, Katiemae had been the recipient of several honors, including the Wellesley Book Award, presented to a female junior, and the Daughters of the American Revolution Award, 2012. She has maintained high honors and honor roll throughout her years at FHS.

Katiemae will be attending Green Mountain College, VT, this fall and plans to major in Renewable Energy and Eco Design. This program focuses on how renewable energy can be used in everyday ways.